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Wednesday, 19 March, 2025 I 18 Ramazan, 1446
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NA COMMITTEE REITERATES UNWAVERING RESOLVE TO ELIMINATE TERRORISM IN ALL ITS FORMS AND MANIFESTATIONS
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 253 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition
LAUDS VALOUR AND PROFESSIONALISM OF SECURITY FORCES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
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ARMY CHIEF SAYS THERE IS NEED FOR BETTER GOVERNANCE IN COUNTRY TO MAKE IT A ‘HARD STATE’
PCNS STRESSES IMPLEMENTATION OF NAP AND OPERATION AZM-I-ISTEHKAM TO DISMANTLE TERRORIST NETWORKS, COUNTER LOGISTICAL SUPPORT, AND DISMANTLE TERRORISM AND CRIME NEXUS ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
HE civilian and military leadership of the country on Tuesday reviewed the prevailing security situation and emphasized the need for “consensus and unified political commitment” to combat the scourge of terrorism with “full might of the state”. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, and other officials attended the in-camera meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) amid heightened attacks on security personnel and other law enforcement agencies, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The highlevel meeting lasted over six hours. Just this month, Balochistan witnessed
the rare Jaffar Express hijacking which resulted in at least 31 lives being lost, a suicide blast in Nushki District that left five dead, and multiple assaults on KP police, among other incidents. The meeting was skipped by opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), citing the absence of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan. Provincial leaderships were also present, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who represented his province in the absence of PTI members. Governors and Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) from all four provinces also attended. However, BNP chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal was invited but did not participate.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, the committee members condemned the recent terror attacks in the strongest terms and expressed solidarity with the victims’ families, The committee reiterated the country’s unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations while lauding the valour and professionalism of security forces and law enforcement agencies in conducting their counter-terrorism operations. “The committee stressed the need for a national consensus to repel terrorism, emphasizing strategic and unified political commitment to confront this menace with the full might of the state,” the statement reads. The committee members stressed the need for immediate implementation of the National Action Plan and Operation Azm-iIstehkam to dismantle terrorist networks,
TTAP refuses to attend NA security moot citing Imran’s absence ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) on Tuesday refused to participate in the Parliamentary National Security Committee meeting. Though the PTI had yesterday expressed willingness to attend the security moot but sought a meeting with its jailed founder Imran ahead of the meeting. Joining its demand, TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai said that the PTI founder should also be invited to such a meeting and without him, no meeting will have significance. During the opposition’s joint press conference held at KP House in Islamabad, Achakzai — also
pm embarks on key visit to Ksa as pakistan seeks deeper strategic partnership ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will leave for Saudi Arabia on Tuesday on a three-day official visit aimed at advancing economic cooperation and fortifying the strategic partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh. The visit, scheduled from March 19 to 22, underscores Pakistan’s efforts to attract investment and deepen bilateral ties with the Kingdom. The premier will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with a delegation of key cabinet ministers and senior government officials. During his stay, PM Shehbaz is expected to hold crucial meetings with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Both leaders will discuss expanding trade relations, exploring investment opportunities, and strengthening collaboration in energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors, according to the Foreign Office. Diplomatic sources confirm that regional and global issues will also be on the agenda, with particular focus on the Gaza conflict and broader Middle East dynamics. The concerns of the Muslim Ummah, including humanitarian challenges, are likely to be key talking points in the high-level discussions. This trip follows PM Shehbaz’s previous visit to Saudi Arabia in December 2024, where he addressed the ‘One Water Summit’ and presented a six-point agenda to tackle global water crises. He also met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during that visit, emphasizing a “qualitative shift” in PakistanSaudi relations.
the Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief — said that representatives from every political party should be invited to any meeting on national security. Achakzai was flanked by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Senator Raja Nasir Abbas, and Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) MNA Sahibzada Hamid Raza. “Pakistan’s dire circumstances require a joint session of parliament. [However], everyone should have a chance to speak in the joint session,” Achakzai asserted. The PkMAP chief further claimed that the superintendent of Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where Imran is incarcerated, does not allow PTI leaders or other MNAs to meet the ex-premier.
counter logistical support, and dismantle the nexus between terrorism and crime. They also expressed concern over the increasing use of social media platforms by terrorist groups to spread propaganda, recruit followers, and coordinate their networks. The committee members recommended the need for measures to curb such use of social media and also called for formulating a mechanism to counter the activities of terrorists. “Reiterating its unwavering support for Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies, the committee acknowledged their sacrifices and commitment to national defence and said that the nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces, police, Frontier Constabulary and intelligence agencies in the war against terrorism. “The committee reiterated that no institution, individual or group working in collu-
PM Shehbaz vows to root out scourge of terrorism from Pakistan ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday vowed to uproot the scourge of terrorism from Pakistan, reaffirming the commitment to restoration of "peace, order and security” in the country." The premier was speaking to the participants of an in-camera meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security here at Parliament House. Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir and Inter-Services Intelligence Director General Asim Malik have also attended the meeting. The prime minister said that there’s no place of ter-
COAS, Commander National Guard of Bahrain discuss regional security RAWALPINDI
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
rorism on the soil of Pakistan. “We cannot forget the sacrifices of our martyrs. We are determined to completely cleanse the country of terrorism. We will ensure peace, order and security in the country.” Prime Minister Shehbaz said “we have to sit and find a lasting and sustainable solution to this scourge.” He said the entire nation is united in the war against terrorism and will defeat terrorism at all costs. The prime minister termed the state's actions against terrorism as commendable and a matter of pride. He paid tribute on behalf of the nation to those who sacrificed their lives for the country. It would have been nice had the opposition attended the meeting on national security.
pakistan urges unsC to prioritise action against terror threats from afghanistan NEW YORK
STAFF REPORT
Commander of the National Guard of the Kingdom of Bahrain General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Isa Bin Salman called on Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and held discussion on matters of mutual interest, regional security landscape and avenues for strengthening bilateral military cooperation. The Army Chief underscored the significance of enhanced collaboration in addressing shared security challenges and fostering peace and stability in the region. The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and commended their unwavering efforts in combating terrorism. HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa highlighted the strong cooperation and exchange of expertise between Bahrain and Pakistan. He emphasized the commitment to further strengthening relations for the benefit of both countries. The meeting also covered topics of common interest. At the conclusion of the meeting, Gen Munir relayed his greetings to
sion with hostile forces will be allowed to harm the peace and stability of Pakistan,” the statement added. It concluded by pointing out that the committee members also regretted the lack of participation by some opposition members and reiterated that the consultation process in this regard would continue. The declaration was unanimously passed by the committee members. Better governance make country it a “hard state” A statement issued by state-run PTV News said Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir also addressed the committee. “There is no agenda, no movement, no personality greater than the security of the country. For sustainable development, all elements of national power will have to work in harmony,” the army chief was quoted as saying.
STAFF REPORT
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Earlier on march 12, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa arrived in Islamabad on an official visit to attend Pakistan Day celebrations on March 23. Upon arrival at Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan, His Highness was received by General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. Later, the commander of Bahrain’s National Guard, held talks with the heads of Pakistan’s armed forces and air force on Thursday. He visited headquarters of the armed forces in Rawalpindi for his meeting with Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza where he was greeted by a guard of honor and a formal cere-
mony during which the national anthems of Bahrain and Pakistan were played. He praised the strong military cooperation between the two nations, and acknowledged the contribution of Pakistan’s armed forces to regional and international security. He and Gen Mirza discussed shared concerns and reviewed joint military operations. Separately, the visiting general met with the country’s air force chief, Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber, at its headquarters in Islamabad. Baber highlighted the significance of the sheikh’s visit as part of efforts to strengthen military relations between Manama and Islamabad, the news agency added.
Pakistan has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to prioritize addressing the growing threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, calling it a matter of urgent concern for regional stability. Speaking at a UNSC session on Monday, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, expressed deep concern over Afghanistan’s role as a safe haven for various terrorist groups. He highlighted the Taliban government’s failure to effectively eliminate ISIS/Daesh and its tolerance of other militant organizations. Ambassador Akram accused the Taliban of complicity in cross-border attacks against Pakistan, particularly by the Tehreek-eTaliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), including its Majeed Brigade. During the meeting, the UNSC extended the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for another year. Akram, however, stressed that the Council must move beyond extensions and take concrete action to address terrorism originating from Afghanistan. Citing a recent attack on the Jafferabad Express, a Peshawar-bound passenger train, Akram revealed that the assault was orchestrated and directed from within Afghanistan. He stated that the attackers were in constant communication with their handlers across the border. According to Akram, Pakistan has credible evidence that its “principal adversary” financed and initiated the attack through its proxies operating in Afghanistan. “These acts of terror are designed to destabilize Pakistan, disrupt our strategic partnership with China, and hinder the progress of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),” Akram said.
Israel’s renewed Gaza offensive kills 326 amid collapse of ceasefire talks GAZA
NEWS DESK
Israel has carried out its most intense airstrikes on Gaza since January, leaving at least 326 Palestinians dead, according to the enclave’s health ministry. The widespread attacks, ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, struck multiple areas across the territory, including Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Younis. The strikes came as many Palestinians were observing their pre-dawn meal during Ramadan. Medical sources cited by Al Jazeera confirmed that among the dead, 154 were killed in the northern parts of Gaza. The latest escalation follows the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. Israeli officials have accused the Palestinian group of rejecting proposals brokered by the
United States, while Hamas claims that Israel deliberately derailed the talks, jeopardizing the lives of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. One of the high-profile casualties in the raids was Mahmoud Abu Wafah, deputy interior minister in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that women, children, and elderly civilians are among those killed as a result of Israel’s unrelenting bombardment. Israel’s government says the renewed offensive was launched after Hamas declined a mediation proposal led by US envoy Steve Witkoff. The White House has confirmed that Israeli leaders consulted with the Trump administration prior to resuming military operations. Although Hamas has not officially declared an end to the truce, it has appealed to international mediators and the United Nations for urgent intervention. The group has described Israel’s offensive as a “grave betrayal” and has warned of severe repercus-
sions for Israeli hostages if attacks persist. Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis continues to worsen under Israel’s blockade, which has now been in place for more than two weeks. Supplies of food, medicine, and fuel remain cut off, leaving the population of 2.1 million in increasingly dire conditions. According to local officials, about 70% of the enclave’s buildings have been destroyed or damaged, while water and health systems have collapsed. Civil defense teams in Gaza report that Tuesday’s airstrikes alone killed at least 121 people and wounded over 150 others. Eyewitnesses described relentless bombing raids involving more than 20 Israeli warplanes. The truce, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, initially took effect on January 19. However, it broke down in early March when Israel refused to proceed with the second phase of talks. Hamas has
been demanding a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire, while Israel insists on Hamas’s com-
plete disarmament and removal from governance—terms Palestinians argue amount to unconditional surrender.